Monday, January 6, 2014

Alluring Addictions

There is one very interesting
definition of cigarette. It says "Tobacco rolled pipe of a paper which has
fire on one side and a fool on the other." Indeed, only a fool smokes.
Before every smokers reading this plan to demonstrate against me, let me admit
that I am one of them. It is such a bad
habit, is very addictive and very hard to quit. I have tried to give it up and
have succeeded several times. Quitting smoking is so easy that a smoker does it
frequently and keeps on doing so.

We all know about the adverse
effect it has on our health. We also know that passive smokers are at larger
risks. Yet, we smoke for various reasons. We are under the illusion that it
helps to get over anxiety or tension. We also have a false notion that writers
get ideas by smoking. These are all absurd. Lame excuses found by us fools who
smoke and tamper with our throat and lungs. Smoking kills more than anything
else everywhere around the world.

This human body we own is a
temple and we should keep it clean. Our life is very important for our family,
society, country and the world. Therefore every country has taken the campaign
to lessen the number of smokers very seriously. Direct or indirect methods to
discourage one from smoking are implemented. Restriction is strictly adhered in
public places. Alas, we are not very serious about it. Recently, I was amazed
to find a certain brand of cigarette coming up with a special festival pack.
Launched for Dashain and Tihaar, the packet has beautiful and
attractive pictures of a bamboo swing, Achhyeta and flowers. How
alluring and yet how very insensitive at the same time.

It made me remember my recent
trip to Thailand. Only certain shops are allowed to sell cigarettes. You have
to travel a long distance to acquire a cigarette pack. Even then, the box has
disturbing and gruesome pictures of cancer patients. Decayed teeth, gums and
cancer affected lungs are displayed. You do not feel like buying it. It helps a
smoker to lessen the addiction and gradually quit. Interestingly, we allow manufacturers
to make the box as attractive as they can. Why do we have to go against
anything sensible? I agree that revenue collected by the government from
tobacco manufacturers is pretty high. Is that the sole reason they are least
bothered about the public health? The law to punish those smoking in public
places was announced with much fanfare and like every other thing, was not
continued. Now we can see smokers freely consuming the slow poison near
hospital, schools and other sensitive areas.

I am not blaming the government
for me not being able to quit. But, a few stern directives against this killer
could definitely help to save a lot of lives. I wish to quit and need support
whatsoever. If you smoke, join me in quitting today. It is hard but not
impossible. Several chronic smokers have succeeded. Why not us?